An interview with Han Sanghoon, Korean 1-dan

Han Sanghoon played his first game in Korean professional tournaments less than 2 months ago. Now his score is 12-1 ( http://www.go4go.net/v2/modules/collection/byplayer2.php?pid=1086 ). We will ask him few questions.

- What is the secret of your recent performance?
- There are no secrets, no magic. The most important thing is to play seriously. There are many masters who answer the last move of their opponent without deep thinking. I try to think, even if the move seems obvious.
- We can say that you achieved pro status late (Han was 20 years old). How do you feel about it?
- Yes, quite late. I played in the main leagues (for best 10 candidates) for becoming professional 8 times and was always missing my chances. It's still hard to believe that I have now reached my goal! I quit the insei league because of my age (the age limit is 18) and that put a lot of pressure on me.
- When did you start playing Go?
- I was 8 years old when my parents found me a Go club not far from my home. My father loves Go very much! Later I entered the famous school of Kim Won, 6-dan ( http://www.go4go.net/v2/modules/collection/byplayer2.php?pid=637 ). I took part in some tournaments, won some prizes, and decided to study Go seriously.
- LG cup will be your first international tournament. Which players would you like to meet?
- Recently, the Chinese junior players have become very strong and I would like to meet them, Chen Yaoye and Zhou Ruiyang first of all. I played some top players on the Tygem server, who we know to be junior Chinese professionals. My score was about 50-50 and now I would like to meet them in real tournaments.
- How useful do you think it is it to play Go online?
- There are some extremely strong players among the Tygem 9-dans. Of course, we may learn a lot from them!
- What are your future plans?
- I would like to play Go like Lee Changho and become a regular participant in the final stages of pro tournaments!
- What are your first and second goals?
- I would like to take a title one day. I entered the Korean league this time and will try my best. My second goal would be to enter the final stages of international tournaments.

Translated from korean Alexandre Dinerchtein